| rusalka
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I just started yesterday and I'm nervous! I'm 50 , female and 5'10. Weigh in at 227. Up until colon cancer three years ago I was a svelt 155-160 and even though I had to work at my weight, I was able to accomplish it. That's all over now. But I really need advice about how to proceed. I have talked to my doc about Atkins and it really doesn't seem to be the way to go with my colon cancer history. But regular diets that are low cal or high carb, though they keep me "regular" also drive me up the wall with sugar cravings. I often feel stuck between a rock and a hard place....Ha! No puns intended!
Soooo, how bad does the constipation get on this diet? If I drink metamucil etc I get way too much blockage. Does the sugar free candyf really work?
Also...why Phase 1? Is is possible to skip it and just jump in on Phase 2? Anbody ever try that?
Thanks for your input!
Rusalka |
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Mon Aug 02, 2004 6:03 pm |
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| vickil
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| Hi Rusalka, welcome to the forum! And congratulations on beating cancer. There aren't too many people on the board who have talked about that! My first thought was to be sure and ask your doctor before beginning this diet. From my personal experience, yeah, I have been constipated. I don't use Metamucil and when it strikes me I just take a Correctol and usually I am better by the next day. If Metamucil is causing you to have blockage, make sure you are drinking it with plenty of water. It's supposed to have the opposite effect! As for skipping Phase 1, it can be done and has been done successfully. Phase 1, when you cut back on the carbs, is supposed to "detox" you of your sugar cravings, so it can be helpful. Have you tried any other fiber supplements, like Benefiber? Wonder if it would work better for you than Metamucil? I wish you lots of good luck reaching your goals! |
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Mon Aug 02, 2004 6:38 pm |
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| bulldog
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| This diet is a MAJOR CONSTIPATOR! I have had constipation for years, and this diet REALLY clogged me up the first two weeks! Taking metamucil powder before each meal has saved me. If metamucil doesn't work for you, try to find a fiber supplement that does work before you start the diet. Also, if you are used to eating prunes or figs to stay regular, keep taking them! Freshly ground flax seed is good for some, but it hasn't helped me. The fiber pills (fibercon) and benefiber don't help me, but other people have reported good results. Oat bran is fine on phase II but not phase I, but if this works for you I would recommend it for phase I anyway. |
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Mon Aug 02, 2004 7:44 pm |
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| Kimboroni
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It's so very nice to see you here, Rusalka! You beat the big C!!!
Most people do seem to have constipation problems on p1. Personally, I didn't have any problems at all until I'd been on p2 for 3 months, so I think that was just me and not the diet. But, yes, you can absolutely just skip to p2. Talk it over with your doc. |
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Mon Aug 02, 2004 7:54 pm |
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| Rickysmom
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CONGRATS ON BEING A SURVIVOR! Now that you've survived cancer.... this should be a real breeze for you. However, you really should contact your Doc - to make sure Phase 1 restrictions are okay for you. I drink Metamucil at least once or twice or day 20 to 30 min. b4 meals. As long as you drink enough water - it really should work. Of course, everyone's system is different - plus, your Doc will advise on this, I'm sure.
For me - P1 miraculously took my HUGE cravings away for carbs.
Continued Success to You - this will be a cake-walk for you. |
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Mon Aug 02, 2004 11:49 pm |
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| ggmab
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Hi! Rusalka. Welcome and congratulations on beating the BIG C. You conquered that battle and I'm sure you will do very well on this one.
Best luck. Bev |
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Tue Aug 03, 2004 12:28 am |
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| blosinlv
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Congratulations on being a cancer survivor. My sister who I love dearly is a 20 year breast cancer survivor.
Well, my husband who has survived 2 heart attacks, a bypass, and has an implanted defibrillator started on phase 2 in March and has lost all his sugar and carb cravings and is losing at the rate of a pound a week. Last week was the first where he only lost 1/4 pound. He had blood work done recently and for the first time in his adult life his hdl/ldl ratio was good.
Phase 2 is a wonderful way to eat for life. |
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Tue Aug 03, 2004 12:43 am |
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| yogalady
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Congratulations to you,. Rusalka! I've got this middle I never had before which is increasing. Doctor recommended SBD. My daily problem due to having half my colon gone, is the OPPOSITE of constipation. Although that's greatly annoying, I can't afford to have any constipation and am glad to hear you can go right to phase 2. I may just do that, since I only began today. I'm a vegetarian, always ate only whole grains. Problem was quantity, I think. Beans are one of my favorite foods and I'm only too happy to add more bean recipes to my file!
I have to reorganize my thinking about fat-free products too. And since I don't eat meat, getting the right protein was a concern but I found a site that gives me what guidelines I need. Re the constipation, I would take the tips and go with Phase 2.
Cheers!
yogalady |
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Mon Aug 16, 2004 7:11 pm |
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